Faith Formation Through Continuing Education
Introduction
The St. John of Chicago Pastoral Institute of the Diocese of the Midwest provides high quality, rigorous continuing education programs to train men and women to assist in parish and deanery ministries.
This initiative continues and expands the previous programs that had run for many years in the Diocese of the Midwest. The goal of the Institute is to increase the scope of Church education and to support the reinvigoration of diakonia—ecclesial service—through education and communities of learning.
The Pastoral Institute advances the vision of successive hierarchs of the Diocese of the Midwest who have sought to expand Orthodox educational opportunities at home for those who, with good reason, cannot relocate to residential school of theology to pursue intensive study in the faith. We take very seriously the students’ connection with the local parish and the Diocese and are happy to facilitate their education wherever they are.
Our program is both rigorous and sensitive to people’s educational needs and abilities. We work to bring direct, ongoing instruction, support, and resources to the faithful via distance education.
The Institute offers two primary educational tracks:
• Diaconal Training Track – A program of theological and pastoral formation for men preparing to serve the Church in the Holy Diaconate.
• Catechist Training Track – A structured course of study for individuals called to teach and transmit the Orthodox Faith within parish communities.
A third educational track is currently being developed:
• Adult Enrichment Courses – Continuing education opportunities for clergy and laity seeking deeper study in Orthodox theology, Holy Scripture, Church history, liturgical life, spirituality, and related disciplines. These courses will also provide parish clergy with a trusted resource for directing parishioners who desire further formation in the faith.
Diaconal Vocations
Men who fulfill the minimum entrance requirements of the OCA Diaconal Vocations Program (DVP), who have undergone the diocesan vetting process, and have obtained the final approval of the Diocesan Bishop enroll in the diaconal track of the Pastoral Institute to complete the course of study and practicum requirements for diaconal ordination in the Orthodox Church in America. While registered with the national DVP, the Pastoral Institute oversees the educational aspects of their diaconal formation.
Candidates are required to take part in at least two practicums during their diaconal program, one of which should be the DVP’s national summer practicum. The diocesan Department of Liturgical Practice also offers an annual practicum in the fall, as well other complementary opportunities at the local level. (Note: Diaconal candidates are encouraged to participate in as many practicums beyond the required two as they are able, both before and after ordination.)
Catechist Training
All men and women interested in receiving formation to aid their parish with education are welcome to apply after first consulting with their parish priest and securing his support, along with a letter of recommendation to be sent to Fr. Daniel. Inquiries for this track should be sent to institute@domoca.org.
Information & Applications
For further information, contact:
Priest Daniel Greeson
Director
Email: institute@domoca.org
Mailing Adress:
St. John of Chicago Pastoral Institute
c/o Diocese of the Midwest
917 N Wood St
Chicago, IL 60622
Is Our Program Right for You?
If you find yourself desiring a deeper education in the Bible, Church History, Dogma, the Fathers, and more: get in touch with us! Theological education is for everyone in the Church. The St. John of Chicago Pastoral Institute is for anyone who wants to increase their knowledge and engage in greater service in the Church. Speak to your parish priest about getting involved! Join in a community of learning throughout the Diocese, and benefit from the instruction of people trained and specialized in each particular theological area and discipline.
Core Courses
The Program consists of a cycle of 6 courses with at least 8 class sessions. These include:
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Church History & Patristics
- Dogmatics
- Liturgy
- Capstone (Diaconal or Catechetical)
In addition, the Institute will offer a series of short courses on all of these subject areas to foster continued education and deeper engagement.